Easy DIY Christmas Gifts: 16 Handmade Ideas That Look Way More Expensive Than They Are

Easy DIY Christmas gifts mean more than anything you can grab off a store shelf, because every one of them carries a little piece of you. Think about the gifts you still keep from years ago. Chances are it is the handmade card, the painted mug or the jar of notes, not the gadget. This year, more people than ever are searching for simple, low-cost presents they can make at the kitchen table, and we rounded up the ones that look far more expensive than they are. There are ideas for teachers, coworkers, grandparents, neighbors and best friends. Most take under an hour and use supplies you can find at any craft store. Put on some music, clear the table and start making..

Easy DIY Christmas Gifts Start With a Mini Snow Globe in a Jar

Searches for handmade presents have jumped this season, and you can see the rise in easy DIY Christmas gift searches here. A mini snow globe is the perfect place to start. Glue a tiny bottle brush tree to the inside of a jar lid, fill the jar with water, a drop of glycerin and a spoon of glitter, then screw the lid on tight. Paint the lid gold and tie on a ribbon. Turn it over and watch it snow. It is a small gift that makes grown-ups smile like kids..

You will need: A small glass jar with a lid, a mini bottle brush tree, waterproof glue, distilled water, a few drops of glycerin, white glitter, gold paint, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Paint the lid gold and let it dry. 2. Glue the tree to the inside of the lid and let it set overnight. 3. Fill the jar with water, glycerin and glitter. 4. Screw the lid on tightly and seal the edge with glue.

Hand-Painted Mugs, the Easy DIY Christmas Gifts Everyone Uses

A plain white mug becomes a one of a kind gift with a few porcelain paint pens. Draw candy stripes, tiny pine trees, snowflakes or a simple snowman. Mistakes wipe off with a damp cotton swab before baking. Follow the pen directions to set the paint in the oven, which is a job for an adult. Fill the mug with candy canes or a packet of cocoa and it is ready to wrap. These are among the most loved easy DIY Christmas gifts because they get used every day. Who on your list drinks the most coffee?

You will need: Plain white ceramic mugs, porcelain paint pens, cotton swabs, rubbing alcohol for cleaning, an oven (adult use).

How to make it: 1. Wipe the mug with rubbing alcohol to remove oils. 2. Draw your design, keeping it below the lip line. 3. Let it dry for 24 hours. 4. An adult bakes it as the paint pen directions say.

Photo Transfer Wood Block

This gift looks like something from a boutique, but it costs a few dollars. Print a favorite photo on regular paper with a laser printer, brush photo transfer medium on a sanded wood block, press the photo face down and let it dry overnight. Then wet the paper and gently rub it away to reveal the image on the wood grain. The result looks soft and vintage. It is one of those easy DIY Christmas gifts that makes grandparents tear up. Which photo would you choose?

You will need: A sanded wood block, a laser-printed photo in reverse, photo transfer medium, a foam brush, a damp sponge, clear sealer.

How to make it: 1. Brush a thick layer of transfer medium on the wood. 2. Press the photo face down and smooth out bubbles. 3. Let it dry overnight. 4. Wet the paper and rub it off gently, then seal.

Layered Sugar Scrub Jars

Pretty sugar scrubs look like something from a spa shop. Mix plain sugar with a light oil like coconut or almond oil, then split it into bowls and tint each one with a drop of soap coloring. Layer the colors in small jars and top with a gingham fabric circle and twine. Add a blank tag so you can write a sweet note. Remind friends to patch test first and keep it out of their eyes. These easy DIY Christmas gifts are perfect for coworkers and neighbors. Which colors will you layer?

You will need: Granulated sugar, coconut or almond oil, soap coloring, small glass jars, fabric squares, twine, kraft tags.

How to make it: 1. Mix 2 cups of sugar with half a cup of oil. 2. Split into bowls and tint each one a different color. 3. Spoon the layers into jars and press them down. 4. Top with fabric and tie it with twine.

No-Sew Knotted Fleece Blanket

No sewing machine? No problem. Lay two pieces of fleece on top of each other, cut out a small square from each corner, then cut strips around all four sides. Tie the top and bottom strips together in double knots all the way around. In about an hour you have a thick, cozy blanket. Pick a fun print for kids or soft neutral colors for grown-ups. Kids can help tie the knots too. It is one of the coziest easy DIY Christmas gifts you can make. Whose couch needs one?

You will need: Two pieces of fleece about 2 yards each, sharp fabric scissors, a ruler, a cutting mat if you have one.

How to make it: 1. Lay the fleece pieces together and trim them to the same size. 2. Cut a 4 inch square from each corner. 3. Cut 4 inch strips about 1 inch wide on all sides. 4. Tie each top and bottom strip together in a double knot.

Pressed Flower Bookmarks

If you pressed flowers over the summer, now is their time to shine. Arrange them on a strip of heavy paper, cover them with clear self-adhesive laminate and trim the edges. Punch a hole at the top and add a ribbon tassel. No pressed flowers? Most craft stores sell them in small packs. Every bookmark is different, which makes them feel extra special. Slip one into a book for the reader in your life. Easy DIY Christmas gifts do not get much prettier than this. Who loves to read in your family?

You will need: Pressed flowers, heavy card stock, clear self-adhesive laminate sheets, scissors, a hole punch, ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Cut card stock into 2 by 6 inch strips. 2. Arrange the flowers on each strip. 3. Cover with laminate on both sides and smooth it down. 4. Trim the edges, punch a hole and add a ribbon.

Puzzle Piece Picture Frame

Got a puzzle with missing pieces? Do not toss it. Glue the leftover pieces in layers around a plain wooden frame, then spray or brush them gold, silver or red. The bumpy texture looks surprisingly elegant. Put a family photo inside and it becomes a gift with a fun story behind it. Kids are great at this because there is no wrong way to glue the pieces. It is one of the most clever easy DIY Christmas gifts for using up odds and ends. Do you have an old puzzle in the closet?

You will need: A flat wooden frame, old puzzle pieces, craft glue, gold acrylic or spray paint (adult use, outdoors), a photo.

How to make it: 1. Remove the glass and back from the frame. 2. Glue a layer of puzzle pieces around the frame. 3. Add a second layer on top for texture. 4. Paint everything gold and let it dry.

Easy DIY Christmas Gifts for Teachers: A Pencil Vase

Teachers get a lot of mugs, so try something they will actually smile at. Glue new yellow pencils standing up all around a small jar or tin until it is covered. Tie a red ribbon around the middle and fill it with fresh or faux flowers and a few pine sprigs. It looks adorable on a classroom desk and the pencils can be used later. Add a handwritten card from your child. It is one of the most popular easy DIY Christmas gifts for teachers. Which teacher will get one?

You will need: A small jar or clean tin can, 20 to 30 new pencils, a hot glue gun (adult help), red ribbon, fresh or faux flowers.

How to make it: 1. Glue the pencils upright around the jar, points up. 2. Keep the bottoms level with the base. 3. Tie a ribbon around the middle. 4. Add a little water and flowers.

Easy DIY Christmas Gifts for Coworkers: A Cocoa Kit

Need something small for the whole office? A cocoa kit is cheap, cheerful and everybody loves it. Fill a clear bag or jar with cocoa mix, add a handful of mini marshmallows and a candy cane, and tie it to a plain mug. You can buy a set of mugs in bulk or find them at the thrift store. Add a tag with simple instructions, and if you want decorations to match, try these viral Christmas DIYs too. These easy DIY Christmas gifts make any coworker feel remembered. How many cocoa kits do you need to make?

You will need: Plain mugs, cocoa mix, mini marshmallows, candy canes, small clear bags, ribbon, tags.

How to make it: 1. Spoon 3 tablespoons of cocoa mix into a small bag. 2. Add marshmallows on top and tie it closed. 3. Tuck the bag and a candy cane into a mug. 4. Tie a ribbon and add a tag.

Embroidered Napkins

Simple embroidery turns plain cotton napkins into heirloom gifts. Draw a small design in one corner, like holly leaves, a snowflake or a single initial, with a washable fabric pen. Stitch over it with red or green floss using a basic backstitch. Even beginners can finish one napkin in an evening. Tie a set of four with ribbon for the host who has everything. It is one of those easy DIY Christmas gifts that will come out at every holiday dinner. What design will you stitch first?

You will need: Plain cotton napkins, an embroidery hoop, embroidery floss in red and green, a needle, a washable fabric pen.

How to make it: 1. Draw a small design in one corner. 2. Put the corner in a hoop. 3. Stitch over the lines with a backstitch. 4. Rinse out the pen marks and iron the napkin.

Painted Pots With Succulents

Small terracotta pots are cheap and easy to paint. Brush on bold colors, stripes or dots, let them dry and seal them. Then plant a little succulent inside and tuck some moss on top. Succulents are easy to keep alive, which makes them great for friends who say they cannot grow anything. Group three together on a tray for a bigger gift. These easy DIY Christmas gifts add a little green to winter. Who needs a tiny plant pal?

You will need: Small terracotta pots, acrylic paint, brushes, clear sealer, small succulents, cactus soil, moss.

How to make it: 1. Paint the pots and let them dry. 2. Add a coat of clear sealer. 3. Fill with cactus soil and plant the succulent. 4. Top with moss and tie a ribbon around the rim.

Bead Keychains

Bead keychains are fun to make with kids and friends at a craft night. Thread wooden or colorful beads onto a strong cord, add a little charm or tassel and attach a keyring. You can spell a name with letter beads or keep it simple with colors that match someone’s style. They are small enough to tuck in a card or stocking. Keep beads away from toddlers since they are small. These easy DIY Christmas gifts work for teens, teachers and coworkers alike. What colors would you pick?

You will need: Wooden or acrylic beads, strong cord, keyrings, small charms or tassels, scissors.

How to make it: 1. Cut a 12 inch piece of cord and fold it in half. 2. Loop it onto the keyring. 3. Thread beads onto both strands. 4. Tie a tight double knot and add a tassel.

A Family Memory Jar, the Sweetest of Easy DIY Christmas Gifts

This is the gift that makes people cry happy tears. Fill a jar with little rolled notes, each one with a favorite memory, an inside joke or a reason you love them. Kids can draw pictures instead of writing. Tie each note with thread, tie a velvet ribbon around the jar and add a tag. The person can pull one out whenever they need a smile. It costs almost nothing, but it is one of the most meaningful easy DIY Christmas gifts you can give. Who would love a jar full of memories?

You will need: A large glass jar, colorful paper strips, pens, thin thread or string, a velvet ribbon, a tag.

How to make it: 1. Cut paper into strips about 1 by 4 inches. 2. Write a memory or message on each one. 3. Roll each strip and tie it with thread. 4. Fill the jar and tie a ribbon on top.

Map Coasters

Old road maps or atlas pages make beautiful coasters. Cut squares of the map to fit plain ceramic tiles, brush on decoupage glue, smooth the paper down and coat the top a few times. Choose a hometown, a honeymoon spot or a favorite vacation place to make it personal. Stick felt pads on the bottom so they do not scratch tables. A set of four tied with twine looks great under the tree. These are easy DIY Christmas gifts with a story. Which places mean the most to you?

You will need: Plain ceramic tiles, old maps, decoupage glue, a foam brush, clear waterproof sealer, felt pads, twine.

How to make it: 1. Cut map squares to fit the tiles. 2. Brush glue on the tile and press the map down. 3. Add three coats of glue on top, letting each dry. 4. Seal and add felt pads underneath.

Painted Rock Paperweights

Smooth rocks from the garden or a craft store become colorful paperweights with a little paint. Try mandala dot patterns with the end of a paintbrush, simple stripes or a cute holiday design. Kids love this one, and every rock turns out different. Seal them so the paint stays bright. They make sweet desk gifts for teachers, coworkers and anyone who works from home. Easy DIY Christmas gifts like these cost almost nothing. Will you try the dot painting trick?

You will need: Smooth flat rocks, acrylic paints, dotting tools or paintbrush handles, a clear sealer.

How to make it: 1. Wash and dry the rocks. 2. Paint a base color and let it dry. 3. Add dots in circles from the center out. 4. Let it dry overnight and seal.

Family Recipe Board

A handwritten family recipe on a cutting board is a gift that gets passed down for years. Scan a recipe card in grandma’s handwriting, print it in reverse on a laser printer and use the same transfer method as the wood block, or trace it with a fine paint pen. Seal the front with food-safe finish and use it as display only on the transfer side. Hang it in the kitchen as decor. It is a heartwarming way to end our list of easy DIY Christmas gifts. Whose recipe would you save?

You will need: A wooden cutting board, a printed recipe card, transfer medium or a fine paint pen, food-safe board finish, a ribbon.

How to make it: 1. Sand the board smooth. 2. Transfer or trace the recipe onto the board. 3. Let it dry completely. 4. Seal with food-safe finish and tie a ribbon through the handle.